With humble beginnings of strapping an Ipod Touch to the bottom of a skateboard, Theo Watson and Emily Gobeille of Design I/O have created a method to visualize skateboard tricks in real time. Called Skataviz, it’s done using the Ipod Touch’s gyroscope and accelerometer, which is sent to openFrameworks to create live video overlays.

Employing the help of professional skaters Frankie Nash and Thomas Kramer, they were able to capture the kinetic movement of various tricks, as well as track the rotation of the board as it flew through the air. The software is in the prototype stages right now, but is still visually stunning. With all the movement that goes on as skateboarders ply their craft, expect some even more impressive dataviz in the future.

In addition to being an online editor for MAKE Magazine, Michael Colombo works in fabrication, electronics, sound design, music production and performance (Yes. All that.) In the past he has also been a childrens’ educator and entertainer, and holds a Masters degree from NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program.

I just heard of a company that is selling something like this… http://www.theshredcloud.com
pretty sweet stuff…the hardware through shredcloud sends data to your phone… I like how skataviz added the visuals too.